I'm 26, I've actually been in remission for over a year now, but I've had Crohn's since I was 14 years old. I taken all the meds you can think of, the good and the bad, even tried stemcell treatments.

I had moderate Crohn's throughout my youth, felt embarrassed that I had to leave to go to the bathroom in the middle of tests which brought more attention to myself. I even got my High School and University to extend my test times by applying for disability due to time lost to bathroom trips.

A couple of years ago, my flair ups were so bad I would end up in the hospital, pumped full of anti-inflammatories/steroids/iron infusions. Finally, the doctors had to do emergency exploratory surgery and ended up taking my entire lower intestine/colon.

Even though it felt like my incisions took forever to heal, they've healed quite nicely, although, I do have a seam running up my middle like a zipper. I also struggled with my ileostomy bag leaking a few times at the beginning, (OH THE ITCH!) I haven't had any trouble with it since then.

I will admit, deciding to let the doctors give me a permanent ileostomy was the hardest decision of my life. But I'm so happy to be alive and free of that hovering hurt.

Hi Alli and I am sorry that the meds were not able to keep things under control for you and that you had to have surgery. I am pleased though that this has been the turning point for you and that you are now doing well. Are you still on any meds or is it 'just' the bag? I would definetly urge you to have a look at our stoma sub forum, I am sure there are many who appreciate any info and advice you may have on how you got past the problem of leakages etc. I am glad you have decided to join us and hope to see you around the forum